Hydrocephalus Flashcards
What is hydrocephalus?
Accumulation of excessive CSF within ventricular system of brain
What produces CSF?
choroid plexus in lateral and 4th ventricles
What absorbs CSF?
arachnoid granulations
What are the 2 classifications of hydrocephalus?
non communicating
communicating
What is non communicating hydrocephalus?
obstruction to CSF flow occurs within ventricular system
What is communicating hydrocephalus?
obstruction to CSF flow outside of ventricular space e.g. subarachnoid space or at arachnoid granulations
What are the symptoms and signs of hydrocephalus?
symptoms of raised ICP
- vomiting
- headache worse on waking up, bending down, coughing
- papilloedema
What happens if hydrocephalus occurs before 2-3yrs?
increase in occipital frontal circumference (OFP) as cranial sutures have not closed
What happens if hydrocephalus occurs after the cranial sutures close?
expansion of ventricles, flattening of gyri and fullness of sulci
What can cause hydrocephalus?
obstruction of CSF outflow - tumours, inflammation, congenital malformation
decreased reabsorption - post SAH, meningitis
overproduction - choroid plexus tumour (rare)
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
CT/MRI (ventricular enlargement)
high LP opening pressure
What is the treatment of hydrocephalus?
treat underlying cause
ventriculoperitoneal shunting, manage cardiac risks
What is the classic triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
ataxia
urinary incontinence
dementia
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
clinical features of hydrocephalus but without raised CSF pressure
